Interesting etymology for this word (according to OED): It once referred to the custom of going in a group from door to door at Christmas or New Year, making a request for food or other gifts in the form of a song. It also referred to the first person to enter one's house on New Year's Day or the first person one meets after leaving home, especially on a special occasion (it derives from the Manx English for "someone who meets or is met," literally, "first-foot").
Interesting etymology for this word (according to OED): It once referred to the custom of going in a group from door to door at Christmas or New Year, making a request for food or other gifts in the form of a song. It also referred to the first person to enter one's house on New Year's Day or the first person one meets after leaving home, especially on a special occasion (it derives from the Manx English for "someone who meets or is met," literally, "first-foot").
I just stepped outside (tho I'm not leaving) and spotted you: Howdy qualtagh!
Leaving now - wonder who my qualtagh will be? Hellooo - anybody out there?
it sounds like someone trying to say "quality" with their teeth out...
Apparently, this is the first person you see after leaving your house. Evidently pronounced "KWOL-tok".